Combustion apparatus



R. J. ANDERSON. COMBUSTION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6, I9I9. 1,362,212. Patented De@.14, 1920. 9 SHEETS-SHEET I.

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APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6,1919.

1,362,212. Patented De@.14,.1920.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

AAI II f2. J Anderson II. 1.' ANDERSON.

COMBUSTION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION. FILED MAN. 6. 1919.

l ,362,2 l 2. Patentd Deo. 14, 1920.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

R. '1. ANDERSON.

COMBUSTION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION man MAR. 6, |919.

Patented Dc. 14

1920. 9 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

@nuera @tor @Awww R. J. ANDERSON. COMBUSTION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6. I9I9.

Patented Dec. 14, 1920.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

i ,9 e ,J I

R. J. ANDERSON.

vcoA/fusnoN APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILEDKMAR. S, 1919. 1,362,212, Patented Dec. 14, 1920.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 7-1 Unvenr WMM ffl ndqrJa/z R. J. ANDERSON. COMBUSTION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6, 1919.

Patented Dec. 14, 1920.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

NN @N R. J. ANDERSON.

COMBUSTION APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED' MAR. 6. 19.9.

1,362,212. Patented Dec. 14, 1920.

.9 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

.ROBERT JAMES ANDERSON, JUE EL FASO, TEXAS, .lSSlIGItl'QR T0 INTERNATENL CUNSEIVATIM CU., @F Plelllllll', ltftfldlll, .A GURPRATEN @F .Mlitlllllllu CMBUSTEON PMBJATUS.

instant?,

.application tiled March 6, i919.

citizen oit' the United States, residing1 at lill Paso, in the' county or lll Paso and State ot Texas, have invented certain new and useful .improvements in Combustion Apparatus, otwhich the following is a specilication.

@ne of the objects or the present inven tion, stated generally, is the provision or novel means or apparatus tor the combustion et vfuel to the end that a maximum number oli heat units will be derived trom a `ag'iven quantity or' tuel and nearly complete combustion will be eft'ected'with minimum wastage oft heat units, through incomplete combustion or the carbon present, or escape ot the unconsumed carbon and heat units to the stack or other outlet or the furnace. llhe combustion vmeans or apparatus, in its broadest aspect, is adapted for the generation of heat to be put to anyusetul purpose such, 'for instance, as the firing oft a steam boiler or heating plant, the treatment or ore and chemicals, melting ol metal in "foundry rupolas, or tor any other purposes.

'My object is to provide improved combustion means or apparatus adapted to intro duce the l'uel and air into the combustion chamber under such nice regulation that substantially all or' the carbon of the fuel and the oxygen ot the air will unite in such manner as to minimize possibility or excess oxygen and whereby there is insured liberation or' substantially all of the heat units which may he derived Jfrom the union of the fuel and air. The novel means'employed fauscs comminglinu' ot' the oxygen of the air and the fuel in such manner that not only the exterior of the body or mass of the flames ot combustion is involved, but also the interior thereof. thus materially diftering from combustion apparatus heretofore known to me, in that earlier combustion apparatus has provided only for development ot heat units at what may be termed the eX- terior ot the body or mass ot flame-with the presence of air in such excess that portions only ofthe interior ot' the mass of flame have been'converted into C02 although the exterior ot the body or the mass of 'larnejmay have been converted into CU2.

As distinguished from combustion apparatus heretofore known to the art of which ll have knowledge, my invention com- Specincation of Letters nPatent.

Patented let, ltl.,

serial No. 81,033

prises novel means'ior carrying on combustion wherein conversiono't substantially all or lthe fuel and oxygen into CU2 is effected, resulting in substantially perfect combustion, whereas in earlier combustion apparatus,-I due to laclr et proper means for the regulation, proportioning, and commingling or the 'fuel and the oxygen ot the air, only a portion or the carbon and oxygen has become converted into CQ, the remainder per- V)forming its worlr inetticiently, occasioning a very great wastage and increased consumption thereof.

ift still further object is the provision ot a furnace torjthe smelting; or ores which has novel means for effecting" combustion by the interaction and union oit air and iinely divided fuel, whether in fluid or gaseous hydrocarbon form, or of pulverized coal, coke or other carbonaceous material, to the end that there will be no excess of oxygen and, consequently, the heat derived from such combustion may be introduceddirectly into' a body ol ore and the latter smelted thereby without necessitating followingthe common practice of preliminarily mining fuel with the ore'before it is charged into the furnace additional fuel, however, may be added to the ore, if desired.

My combustion apparatus ellects the cornplete union or air and fuel and the elimination of the excess of oxygen heretofore Iconsidered to be necessary to supply to the body or ore being smelted for the purpose ot combining with the carbonaceous material mixed with the ore charge, and eliminates this unnecessary` wasteful, and eiliciency-reducine; step of introducing air in unnecessary volume. My invention, aside from being susceptible ot use for the production orI heat for any purpose whatsoever, is, also, adapted to carry on combustion for the sroelting of ore. y

ln the utilization of my novel means ,for smelting copper ores, as no metallurglcal .features or chemical reactions are involved,

no 'further step is necessary as the heat derived from combustion is directly introduced into the turnace to melt and liquety the charge to allow the metal to separate by gravity from the slag.

ln the smelting of lead and iron ores, however, as it is necessary to not only delil() volop heat in sufficient volume to melt the' ore but, also, to deliver to the ore charge an Aao :han

excess of carbon for the purpose of combining with the oxygen liberated from the ore undergoing smelting and deoxidization, my invention has, for a further object, the provision of novel additional means for carrying on, in a blast furnace, a' secondary combustion which will produce an excess of carbon for delivery to the charge.

My invention, as applied to the reduction of iron and lead ores therefore contemplates the provision of separate primary 'and secondary apparatus, the primary means or apparatus effecting substantially complete conversion of the'fuel into heat units which are directly conveyed to the ore body, while the other, supplemental or secondary, combustion apparatus has means for combining air and fuel in such proportion that there is an excess of carbon, the gas evolved being carbon monoxid (CO) which is directly introduced into the ore body for the purpose of' satisfying, by the excess `of carbon thus derived from the secondary combustion process, the oxygen liberated from the ore thereby accomplishing the reduction and deoxidination thereof.

By delivering the C02 gases derived from my main combustion apparatus and the CO gases derived from my secondary combustion apparatus directly into a body of iron ore in a blast furnace, iron or Steel of different grades may be directly produced, according to air and fuel regulation under the process. Similarly, metallic lead may be directly smelted out of lead ore.

My combustion apparatus will effect economies in foundry cupolas for melting of cast iron and scrap to be used in making castings. My combustion chamber is applied to the cupola, fuel oil, gas, powdered coke, or powdered coal being used. lilasmuch as the melting of cast iron and scrap in a foundry cupola requires a lower temperature than that necessary for the smelting of ore, an additional saving may be accomplished by so regulating the fuels and air used in the combustion chamber as to produce a slight excess of carbon and eliminate the losses whichnow-occur by oxidizing atmosphere in the furnace. derived from combustion are delivered direct to the material to be melted.

When the invention is used for the production of heat for a steam boiler, the apparatus embodies a combustion chamber and novel means, elements and instrumentalities for effecting substantially complete liberation from t e fuel of all the available heat units and the vdelivery to the boiler of the CO2 gases derived from combustion, as previously set forth.

My invention is well adapted for use in furnaces or kilns for the conversion of heavy chemicals into other forms, for instance, the conversion of sodium sulfate to sodium sul- 'lhe heat units incanta iid in an inclined tubular ,rotary furnace or kiln wherein the rotation of the kiln or furnace causes the sodium sulfate to continuously rise up the upwardly turning interior wall of the kiln or furnace and to fall vertically, while advancing steadily in the direction of the length of the furnace or kiln. ln the conversion of sodium sulfate to sodium sulfid the chemical reactions-and conversions are effected at a temperature of about 960 AC., at which temperature the product becomes soft and pasty and in condition for conversion which can only be accomplished in the presence of excess carbon in the gases and not in an oxidizing or neutral atmosphere. lf the temperature exceeds the critical point, the product becomes rapidly fused, liquefying, and adhering to the sides of the furnace and forming sodium silicate by union with the furnace lining.

lln utilizing my invention in the manufacture of sodium sulfate, complete and accu` rate control of both the furnace temperatures and tenors of the gases, is obtained.

As with the practice of the invention in connection with an iron blast furnace, primary and secondary combustion apparatus is used, the C() gases from the secondary combustion apparatus being discharged into theend of the rotary kiln or furnace so asv to direct the llames of the reducing gases in close contact along the-line and top of the advancing charge of the sodium sulfate at a time when the material has reached the temperature requisite for conversion into sodium suld. The gases (CO2) produced in the primary combustion apparatus, heat the walls of the rotary furnace or kiln, and by radiation from these `Walls furnish in the interiorof the rotary furnace or kiln, a volume of Aneutral heated gases, insuring accurate, complete and definite control of the product and effecting economy in the use of fuel. Asa result of the use of the combined primary and secondary ap aratus, there is a constant discharge of so ium sulfid from the delivery end of the rotary kiln, and, consequently, a direct, automatic and continuous process of conversion of sodium sul, fate into sodium sulid, is had. rThis obviates two troublesome and expensive ste s formerly required, namely,ileaching of tieroasted product, decanting and settling the liquors; and, the second stepv of evaporation of the liquid solutions down to the finished commercial product.

Other applications of my combustion apparatus may be made: for instance it may be used in the manufacture of Portlandi cement, Which/is accomplished in rotary kilns; also, in the manufacture of glass in glass furnaces Where the temperatures and tenors of the gases should be under definite control.

ln my invention combustion is carried on and completed in a closed chamber or chambers, the heat units from combustion being led from Ithe combustion chamber to the point of utilization. A. smolrestaclr or chimney is eliminated when my process is practised, in so far as the utilization of the same has been heretofore had for the purposev of the creation of dra-ft and furnishing' air for combustion. The sole function of the chimney or smokestaclr, when used in connection with my combustion apparatus, is for the reception of waste gases and products of combustion after useful work has been performed, .and conveying the same to a suitable elevation and then dissipating them into the air.

No particular size or proportions of the combustion chamber used in my primary and secondary combustion apparatus is necessary, the size and proportions being determined by the size and nature of the `installation in connection with which my process of combustion is used.

ll/ly combustion apparatus has means whereby there is jetted, sprayed, or otherwise forced or introduced into a closed combustion chamber, at an angle, preferably nearly a right angle, to the direction of final travel of the gases derived from combustion as they flow toward their point of utilization, numerous streams of air and fuel which play across or intersect at a very great numer of points. The fuel may comprisefinely divided coal, coke, or other solid carbonaceous material, or may be any hydrocarbon or gaseous fuels. Whatever fuel 1s used, it will be introduced into the combustion chamber in connection with air or steam jets under pressure in a manner whereby not only the exterior of the body or'mass of flame derived from combustion will be converted into CO2, but the entire interior of the mass or body of flame will be similarly converted instead of escaping, as has heretofore been the case, in the form of incompletely oombusted carbon and, instead of a large percentage of the fuel passing'otl" as waste without liberation nof heat units, substantially the entire body of fuel introduced within the combustion chamber will combine with the oxygen of the air jets, all of which results in liberation of a maximum number of heat units with a minimum of uncombined carbon and oxygen.

'.llhe introduction of the jets or spraysof air and fuel into the combustion chamber is not restricted to. any particular means. However, to insure as nearly perfect combustion as may be possible., l prefer to jet or spray the fuel in under suitable pressure and to disseminate the air throughout the cross-playing streams of fuel by forcing it in through perforated tubes of refractory material, or like distributing devices, located within the combustion chamber, the jets or angle, preferably nearly a right angle, to the direction of final travel of the gases derived' from combustion as they flow toward their point of utilization,'accomplishes anfimporttant function in effecting substantially complete combustion. lnstead of projecting the fuel at high velocity toward the point whence the products of combustion .are to pass to the point of utilization thereof as has heretofore been the comlnon'practice and by which the proper development or liberation of the heat units from the fuel is prevented, my new combustion apparatus insures the retention of the gases in the combustion chamber until the complete admixture of the oxygen and the carbon is accomplished and the heat units fully liberated.

.'lhe full volume of gases remains in the combustion chamber until these gases arey forced from the combustion chamber by the pressure of the expanded gases` developed therein.

The embodiments of my novel combustion apparatus. and the uses thereof which arespecilically described hereinafter and are shown in the accompanying drawings, are disclosed to illustrate the principle thereof and are not to be considered either as limiting the forms the invention may assume, or the uses to which it may be put.

ln the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a vertical section of a furnace for smelting copper,l whichv is provided with my combustion chambers;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section' on the line 2-2 of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on line 3-3 of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a detail vertical section on line 4:-4' ofFig. 3; j

Fig. 5 is a detail section showing one of the nozzles for injecting the fuel, and the manner in which it is sealed in the wall of the combustion chamber;

Fig. 6 is a vertical section of foundry cupola equipped with my combustion chamber' Fig. 7 is a horizontal section on the line K-7 of Fig. 6;

i Fig. 8 is a vertical section of my lmproved blast furnace for the smelting of iron ore, having primary and secondary combustion chambers;

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8; .i

Fig. 10 is a detail elevation on the 'line 10-10 of Fig. 8 illustrating.. the interaction of the fuel and air jets in carrying out primary and secondary combustion;

i'it

tit

Fig.- 11 is a detail elevation on line 11-11 of Fig. 1 illustrating the interaction of the fuel and air jets in the primary combustion chambers;

Fig. 12 is a detail elevation on line 12-12 of Fig. 7 in connection with afoundry cupola as shown in Figs. 6 and 7 g' f Fig. 13 is a perspective of a reverberatory furnace equipped with my primary combustion apparatus;

Fig. 111 is a detail vertical, longitudinal section through the combustion chamber of the reverberatory furnace of Fig. 13;-

Fig. 15 is a horizontal section on the line :i5-.15y @f rig. 1a;

Fig. 16 isla" vertical section onY the. line 16-16 of Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a vertical section on the line 17-17 of Fig.. la;

Fig. 18 is a detail section illustrating the manner of securing one of therefractory air.

distributing tubes; .p

Fig. 19 is a vertical se'rtion of a steam boiler furnace equipped `fith my primary combustion apparatus;

Fig. 2O isa vertical section on 'the line :2oa0 or rig. i9; Fig. 21 is a side elevation of a rotary kiln or furnace for the conversion of heavy chemicals into another form, equipped with primary and secondary chambers;

F ig. 22 is a vertical section through the primary and secondary combustion chambers on the line 22-22 of Fig. 21, and

Fig. 23 is a section on the line 23-23 of y eferring to Figs. 1,2, 3, 4:, there is shown a furnace for the smelting of copper ore. The upright water jacketed shell 1 is of the usual form, mounted on a'refractory base 2 and provided with a molten metal spout 3 and a slag spout t for the usual purposes of drawing off the copper matte and the slag. These spouts will be plugged with clay, in `the usual manner. The charge of copper ore appears at 5, the sla is shown at 6, and the-molten matte at Closed combustion chambers 8 and 9 extend the width of the base 2 and are of refractory material. not limited as to their dimensions which are determined by the constructing engineer according to the size of the furnace and for the purpose of enabling combustion, as hereinafter explained, to be e'ected, which will be adequate for the purpose of smelting the ore.

A suitable number, three being shown, of twyers 10 aHord communication between the combustion chambers 8 and 9 and the interior of the furnace shell 1. 'lhese twyers are of the ordinary form, their ends being sealed by fire clay 11 where they enter the tops of the combustion chambers 8 and 9, and the dre 'clay 12 where they enter the 'llhese chambers are incanta walls of the furnace 1. Fire clay plugs 13 may be employed and, when removed, permit inspection of the charge 5f v'llhe chambers 8 and 9 are sealed from the ous openings or perforations 17 which are' relatively small so that the air will issue therefrom substantially at right angles to the lengths of the tubes 15 in the form of numerous fine jets or spra s as indicated, for instance, in Fig. 11. s many of the air distributers 15 as may be desired, or as may be found necessary, can be used. 1n Figs. 1, 2 and 11 ll have shown two rows thereof, atI different levels, but in other forms of apparatus, as shown in other gures of the drawings, a greater number of these air distributers are disclosed. ylhe air distributers receive air in suitable volume and under suitable pressure, from pipes 18, each pipe having a valve 19 to control the admission of the air; the pipes 18 may receive their air from any suitable source, such, for instance, as feed pipes 20. rlhe pipes 18 are sealed where they enter the distributers 15 byl fire clay Wads 21, Fig. 18. 'lhe air distributers 15 of the respective rows, are arranged in stepped or staggered formation for a purpose which will presently appear.

rlfhe fuel is jetted or sprayed into the combustion chambers 8 and 9 in nely divided form. Such fuel may comprise nely divided coal, coke, or other solid carbonaceous material, or may be any hydrocarbon or gaseous fuel. l have illustrated how a hydrocarbon oil may be jetted or sprayed into the combustion chambers 8 and 9 by the use of ordinary air or steam pressure nozzles,

inthe various disclosuresof apparatus used4 1n pract1s1ng m Aprimary combustion proc# ess, but it is to e understood that any suitable, or preferred, means for jetting or spraying any fuel which may be used, can be,A emp oyed for this purpose. In Fig. 5 there is shown an ordinary jetting or sprayingnozzle or distributer 22 which may be suitably sealed in the wall of the combustion chamber by fire clay 23. The fuel, for instance hydrocarbon o1l, is introduced to the nozzles through pipes 241 having valves 25 connected to any suitable source of supply. '.lhe air or steam for spraying the oil astenia is introduced to the nozzles by pipes 26 havin valves 27.

teferring to the copper ore furnace of Figs. 1, 2, 3, ll, and to the relative arrangement of the fuel and air distributers, as shown in Fig. 11, the fuel distributing nozzles 22 are so located that they will cause the fuel to be jetted or sprayed in finely divided form crossvvise or at 'an angle to the lengths of the air distributers 15, and crosswise in relation to the air jets issuing from the perfcrations 1'7. rllhe cross play of the finely divided fuel jets and the direction of play of the air jets issuing from the perforations 17 is, also, at an angle, preferably nearly a right angle, to the direction of final travel of the gases derived from combustion as they lovv toward their point of utilization. ln other Words, the cross play or interaction of the jets or sprays of fuel and the jets of air from the distributers 15, instead of being in a direction toward the outlets from the combustion chamber as has heretofore been proposed, and which has resulted in incomplete combustion and great Waste, is in my combustion apparatus; at an angle to the direction of final-travel of the gases and consequently the fuel jets and air interact to effect substantially complete combustion and substantially complete liberation of the heat units before the flow of gases to be subsequently utilized proceeds toward the outlet or outlets from the combustion chamber. Consequently, a result is obtained, due to the cross play and interaction of the fuel and oxygen derivedfroin the air jets to the end that not only thc exterior of the body or mass of flame derived from combustion is converted into CO2 but, also, the entire interior of the mass or body of flame is thus converted. The staggered relationship of the rows of air distributers 15 to the nozzles 22 insures that the air issuing from the perforations 17 of each air distributer 15 Will forma complete admixture with the jetted or sprayed fuel from the nozzles.

Doors 28 are provided for suitable openings 29 in the combustion chambers 8 and 9 through which the fuel may be initially ignited b suitable means.

The va ves 19, Which control the supply y of air to the distributers l5, and the valves 25 and 27,` which control the spraying of the fuel, enable any desired regulation to be had so that the invention ma be used in connection With any furnace, kiln, boiler, or other installation, accordingI to requirements. I.

Figs. 6, 7 and 12 illustrate my invention embodied in a foundry .cupola used for melting cast iron and scrap. fn this apparatus not only Will the fuel cost be lowered, but as a lower temperature will accomplish by so reguiating the fuel and the air as to produce a slight excess of carbon, thereby eliminating' the losses which occur underA present foundry cupola practice by reason of an oxidizing atmosphere in the furnace.

ln Figs. 6 and 7 l have shown a single combustion chamber 30 but a plurality of combustion chambers could be employed, if preferred. rlhe molten metal may be run olf from the cupola 31 through a spout 32. The castings or scrap undergoing melting is shown at 33 and the molten at 3d. The same form of air distributers 15 as previously described in connection With the furnace of Figs. 1, 2, 3, il, is used on the cupola of Figs. 6 and Air is admitted under valved regulation, as before. 'lhe air distributers are arranged in rows in step formation or staggered relation at different points of the combustion chamber as shown in Fig. 12. The gases derived from combustion are admitted directly into the metals 33 through tWyers 35 at various points as shown in 7. The fuel Vis sprayed, in the manner before described and under valved regulation, into the combustion chamber 30. The. nozzles 22 are shown in Fig. 7 as located at the ends of the nearly complete circularly arranged combustion chamber 30, but additional nozzles for jetting in the fuel might be located at other points providedthe fuel. is sprayed or jetted in crossvvise relation to the air distributers as previously explained. As many nozzles 22 may be employed as desired. i As shown in Fig. 6, there is preferably a plurality of nozzles, one above the gther, at each end of the combustion chambodied yin a blast furnace for smelting iron ore or lead ore. ln smelting iron ore or lead ore, as it is necessary to not only develop heat suflicient to melt the ore but, in addition, deliver to the ore charge an excess of carbon for the purpose of combining with the oxygen liberated from the ore, my invention, when thus applied, involves secondary combustion means in addition to my novel primary combustion means. Primary combustion is carried on as previously described and the CO2 gases derived therefrom are used for melting the ore. In addition, secondary combustion is carried on in which air and fuel are combined in such proportion that there is an excess of carbon, the gas evolved being carbon monoxid (CO) which is directly introduced `into the body of ore and combines With the oxygen liberated from the ore, thereby accomplishing the reduction and deoxidization of the ore.,

i ln Figs. 8, 9, 10 the apparatus .is em- Gti The ore chargefaippears at 36, the slag is shown at 37 and metallic iron, or lead, at 38. rlhe usual slag spout 39 and metal spout 4Q are provided. rllhe primary combustion chambers are shovvnv at 41 and 42.` These may be arc shaped and surround the furnace shell 1 as far as possible. llhe air distributers 15 are of the same form, arrangement, and have the same function as previ.

ously described. rfhe fuel lfor theprimary lcombustion chambers 41, 42 is -jetted or sprayed by nozzles 43 located at the ends of the chambers 41 and 42 and in sufficient number and arrangement to carry out, in connection with the airl distributers 15, primary combustion, as previously explained. 'llhe C02 gases pass from the combustion chambers 41 and 42 through tvvyers 44 into the ore charge 36. As thus far explained, combustion is carried on and utilized as previously described in connection with thecopper furnaceof Figs. 14. ln smeltingl iron and lead ores, however, it is necessary to provide, in addition to the CO2 gases required for melting, an excess of .carbon to be introduced into the ore to satisfy the oxygen liberated therefrom.

Secondary combustion chambers 45, 46 Which may be superposed on .the combustion chambers 41, 42, are provided for furnishing the necessary C() gases. These chambers may be of arc shape as shown in Fig. 9, and very nearly surround the furnace shell. Tivyers 47, leading from the chambers 45 and 46 at suitable points, deliver the C@ gases derived from combustion carried on in said chambers, into the body of the ore 36 to combine with the liberated'oxygen therein. ln effecting this secondary combustion, the carbon bearing fuel is jetted-or sprayed into the chambers 45:-and 4.6 by suitable means, such as nozzles 46 to which the fuel is delivered by a pipe 4-9 having a suitable valve 50. The fuel is injected into the combustion chambers 45 and 46`by 'air or steam supplied by pipes 51 having suitable valves 52. The air is introduced into chambers 45, 46 from nozzles 53 under suitable valve control 54 and supplied by any suitable air feedpipe 55. Air distributers, such as shown at 15, are dispensed with and the air jetted in directly from the nozzles 53q as shown in Fig. 9. lfn effecting combustion in the chambers 45 and 46 the regulation of air and fuel is such that an excess of carbon is developed from the combustion and as a result the gases derived from the secondary combustion are in the form of carbon monoxid (CO) and pass through the tvvyers 47, the excess carbon combining With the oxygen liberated from the ore 36 under the smelting action effectedl by the C02 gases which pass through the twyers 44.

With the exception that C@ gas is evolved the combustion chambers 45, 46, the action of the secondary combustion chambers is the same as in chambers 41 and 42, as to cross play of the fuel and air jets in relation to each other andthe cross play of both fuel and air jets in relation to the direction of final travel of the gases derived from combustion, such gases passing out through the tWyers 47. The' cross play of the fuel and air jets in the chambers 41, 42 is shown in Figs. 9 and 10. rllhe staggered or step relation of the air jet nozzles 53 in relation to the fuel nozzles 48 is shown in Fig. 10 and in that figure the staggered relationship of the air distributers and fuel nozzles for the primary combustion chambers, is also shown.

fn Figs. 13, 14, 15,-.16 and 17 there is shown a reverberatory furnace equipped with my combustion chamber'and apparatus. The reverberatory furnace proper appears at 56 and the combustion chamber is shown at 57, the two being connected by a. flue or passage 58 through which the C02 gases pass into the furnace 5,6 and into contact with the ore therein. Combustion is carried on in the chamber 57 in the same manner and by the same means as in the primary or main combustion apparatus heretofore described. The air distributers 15 are fed by air in pipes 59 under suitable valve control 60 and receive air from pipes 61. rllhe fuel distributing nozzles 62 receive fuel from pipes 63 under suitable valve control 64; pipes65 supply the fuel to the pipes 63. The play of the .fine sprays or vjets of air and fuel'is the same as previously described, the combustion being substantially completely developed in a crosswise or angular relation to the path vof travel yof the C02 gases evolved from combustion, the latter flowing toward the flue 58. `-By the application of my combustion apparatus to a reverberatory furnace, instead of the flames developed in this class of furnace carrying off a large percentage of unconsumed fuel, as has heretofore been the case, the substantially complete liberation of heat units from the fuel in the combustion chamber 57 prevents this Waste` A ln Figs. 19 vand 20 there is shown the application of an apparatus for generating heat for a steam boiler. rlhe boiler appears at 66 and the combustion chamber is shown at 67. The products of combustion pass from the combustion chamber 67 under an arch 68, through a flue 69 to the boiler, thence returning through the boiler fiues, to the chimney or smokestack 70. Combustion is carried on by cross jetting of the fuel and air inthe manner previously described in connection With my main combustion apparatus. The air issues in numerous fine jets from the air distributers 15 which are supplied by air from pipes 71 havingy valves 72 for controlling the air supply. rl`he fuel nozzles 73 are supplied with fuel and air nena,

through pipes 7d and 75 through suitable valve controls 7 6, 77. The air distributors l5 are arranged in step or staggered relation as shown in Fig. 20.

Referring to Figs. 2l, 22 and 23, l. have `illustrated apparatus adapted for use in conH nection with a rotary kiln or furnace such commonly used for theconversion of heavy chemicals from their original into other forms. The apparatus illustrated is adapted particularly for the practice of the process in converting sodium sulfate to sodium sulfid. The rotary kiln or furnace 78 is of a Well known form and receives the material in any suitable manner as9 for instance, through a feed chute or hopper 79. The chimney for the furnace is shown at 80. My primary combustion chamber appears at 8l and the secondary combustion chamber is shown at 82. For convenience of delivery of the gases from the respective combustion chambers to the points Where they are used Within the rotary furnace or kiln 78, their arrangement is inverted from that shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Combustion is carried on in kthe main and secondary combustion chamm bers 81, 82., by the same means and in the same manner as in the blast furnace ofr Figs.

8, 9. The fuel is jetted or sprayed into the combustion chamber 81 by nozzles or other means 83, under suitable valve control 8d. The air is jetted or sprayed from air distributers l5 in the chamber 8l under suitable valve control 85. The play of the finely c ivided fuel and the air jets issuing from the distributers l5 is crossvvise of each other in the chamber 8l and results in full liberation of the heat units in said chamber, in a direction crossvvise to the direction of travel to the point of use in the rotary kiln or furnace 78.

ln the combustion chamber. 82 the fuel is introduced by nozzles 86 under valve control 87.A 'llhe air is introduced at 88 under valve control 89, the purpose being to provide ein cess carbon in the chamber 82, just as provided in the combustion chambers a5 and de. The cross play of the fuel and air in the chamber 82 is on the same principle as in the chambers d5 and a6 and the commingling of the fuel and air is in a direction cro-sswise l to the flow of the 'CU as to the point of use Jui;

:in the product of sodium sulfid from sodium sulfate the chemical reactions occur at about 9600 C., at which temperature the product becomes soft and pasty, permitting conversion. rlhis conversion can only be accomplished in the presence of excess carbon in the gases and not in an oxidizing or neu tral atmosphere. Care should be taken that the temperatures do not rise above the point indicated as the product would rapidly fuse and adhere to the furnace lining, forming sodium silicate, if the temperatures go up.

The C@ gases from the secondary chamber 82 discharge in close contact along the line and on top of the advancing charge of material as indicated at C0 This occurs when the material has reached the temperature necessary to effect conversion, the revolutions ofthe furnace 78 constantly turning the material over and exposing all portions of the mass to the action of the reducing gases. The conversion of the product from sodium sulfate to sodium suliid is almost instantaneous When contactis had with the carbon in the gases at proper temperatures. The constant discharge of the converted material makes the conversion of the material practically automatic and continuous.

Combustion in the upper or main chamber 81 furnishes CU2 ras to the interior of the rotary furnace 78 as indicated. @02, affording the heat required for the radiation from the Walls of the furnace 78. The gases from the primary and, secondary combustion clmmbers produce a high class product of sodium sullid and there are obviated two troublesome and expensive steps heretofore necessary, to Wit, leaching of the roasted product, decanting and setting the liquors; and secondly, evaporation of the liquid solutions of the finished commercial product.

lllhile l have illustrated certain applications of my primary and secondary combustion apparatus, this is done by vvay of illustration of the scope of the invention and not in limitation thereof as many other applications thereof may be had, among which are the conversion of sodium sulfate into sodium oKid where lime is added, and the manufacture of Portland cement, in kilns such as shown in Figs. 2l to 23 and in the manufacture of glass in glass furnaces.

in the production of sodium oxid from sodium sulfate, the secondary, or C@ combustion, is not used. rlhe gases from the @U2 chamber are'so regulated that the complete combustion of the fuel for the purpose of liberatingsubstantially all the heat units is carried on and so regulated that an excess of oxygen is present in the kiln.` ln this case, lime is added and the following reactions occur: the sulfur in the sodium sulfate leaves the sodium and combines with the lime for Which it has a greater afinity and forms calcium sulfid, the excess oxygen fur Iiished the C02 gases being present in suficient quantities to unite with the sodium to form sodium oXid.

My apparatus insures perfect regulation of fuel and air to meet conditions'required in the application thereof .to any installation.

rlhe processes disclosed herein are-claimed in another application executed of even dateV herewith.

AWhat l claim is:

' 1. A furnace for the reduction of ore, conversion of chemical compounds, or treatment of material comprising a container for the charge of ore,'chemic'al compound, or material, and primary and secondary combustion chambers'independent of each other which independently communicate with said container for the independent delivery thereto of the gases evolved in said chambers, means for eectingvthe substantially complete combustion of fuel and air in the primary chamber before delivery therefrom to the container for the ore, and means for car-y rying on partially complete combustion in the secondary combustion chamber with production of ,excess carbon therein before delivery therefrom to the container for the ore, the products of combust'rorbeing utilized in the container to effect reductionof the ore conversion of the chemical compound, or treatment of the material as the case may be.

2. A furnace or kiln provided with primary and secondary combustion chambers independent of each other which independently communicate with the interior of the igeeaaia furnace for the independent delivery therey to of the "gases evolved in said chambers,

.means for regulably and proportionately introducing streams of ai'r and finely divided fuel into the secondary combustion chamber and Veffecting partial combustion thereof with an excess of carbon before delivery from the secondary combustionchamber, the products of combustion being utilized in the treatment of the material in the furnace or kiln.

3. 4A furnace for the smeltingl of iron, lead, and other ores, having separate primary and secondary combustion chambers independently communicating with the charge-holder or container, means for developing and carryingon substantially` complete combustion in the primary combustion chamber independently of combustion in the secondary chamber, and means for developing and carrying on partially complete combustion in the secondary combustion chamber, with production of an excess of carbon independently of combustion in the primary chamber, the products of combustion developed in said chambers flowing independently to the charge holder or container.

In testimony whereof l aiiix my signature.

c ROBERT JAMES ANDERSON. 

